What operating system is Android based on?
Android operating system is a customized version based on the Linux kernel. Android utilizes the Linux kernel as its underlying operating system to provide essential functions such as hardware drivers, memory management, process management, and networking capabilities.
However, compared to traditional desktop Linux distributions, Android has made many modifications and extensions to the Linux kernel to meet the needs of mobile devices. Here are some features of the Android operating system:
1. Driver Support: The Android operating system has a wide range of built-in hardware drivers at the kernel level to support various hardware components on different mobile devices, such as cameras, touchscreens, and radio modules.
Process management: Android utilizes the process management functionality of the Linux kernel to handle the running of applications. Each Android application runs in its own process, with the operating system responsible for managing the lifecycle and resource allocation of these processes.
Memory Management: Android utilizes the memory management mechanism of the Linux kernel to allocate and recycle system memory. It employs virtual memory techniques to efficiently utilize limited physical memory and manages memory usage based on application priority and requirements.
Network features: The Android operating system supports various types of network connections such as Wi-Fi, cellular data, and Bluetooth. It offers a comprehensive API that allows developers to easily incorporate these network functions into their applications.
Application Framework: The Android operating system offers a robust application framework that includes activity management, interface layout, data storage, notifications, multimedia, and other functions. These frameworks can assist developers in building feature-rich, user-friendly applications.
In summary, Android is built on the Linux kernel and has a customized software platform to meet the needs of mobile devices, providing developers with a wide range of tools and frameworks to create various types of applications.